Rajasthan suffer set-back

May 20, 2014 - 1:15:50 am

Michael Hussey of Mumbai Indians plays a shot during their Indian Premier League match against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad, yesterday.

Ahmedabad: Rajasthan Royals’ race for a place among the top two suffered a set-back after they suffered a 25-run loss to defending champions Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here yesterday.

It was a strong batting performance that took Mumbai Indians to a competitive 178 for three in 20 overs. A century-run stand between Mike Hussey (56) and Lendl Simmons (62) gave Mumbai Indians an early control of the match while a blistering 19-ball 40 by skipper Rohit Sharma put them completely on top. They put on a fine bowling performance too as barring Karun Nair (48), Brad Hodge (40) and James Faulkner (31 not out) none of the Rajasthan Royals batsmen could get to double figures and the side managed 152 for eight in 20 overs. Rajasthan Royals are third with 14 points from 12 matches while Mumbai Indians are sixth with eight points from 11 outings.

Mumbai Indians’ offie Harbhajan Singh was the pick of the bowlers, bagging two for 13 from his four overs, while leggie Shreyas Gopal got two for 25. Pacer Krishmar Santokie and left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha got two wickets each as well.

IANS

Kings XI Punjab book place in play-offs

Delhi: Kings XI Punjab made sure of their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014 play-offs with a four-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils here yesterday. Punjab struggled in their run-chase of a 165-run target, but managed to get over the line in 19.4 overs.

Akshar Patel turned out to be the unlikely hero for Punjab with an unbeaten 42 off 35 deliveries.

Virender Sehwag and M Vohra began the run-chase for Punjab by putting on 67 runs. Earlier, Delhi Daredevils scored 164 in their allotted overs. KD Karthik top scored with 69 runs. AGENCIES